AllanC

Alan, I bought a Ribble Evo Pro Carbon with Shimano 105. I tried to upload a picture but no matter how many times I tried the file upload feature it just wouldn't work. I'll post something on the Wheelers Facebook page instead. All the advice was welcomed. It's great to see so much choice in the sub £1000 market! Allan

Welcome Ewan, I started out on the Specialized Allez and as Tom states they cannot be faulted for value for money, perhaps even more so as you're going for a higher spec. I just invested in some new pedals and shoes and I was also on a tight budget. I bought Shimano 105 pedals online from Evans as they as £14 cheaper than in the shops at £40 - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/pd-5700-105-spd-sl-road-pedals-ec023219. I also bought my 2nd pair of dhb cycling shoes from Wiggle, and I cannot fault them, although I haven't tried any other shoes so cannot compare. Anyway, they're on sale just now at £45 - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-r10-road-cycling-shoe/ The pedals come with cleats and they are compatible with the shoes from Wiggle. Happy cycling! Allan

Thanks for all your advice and comments. I ended up going for the Ribble Evo-Pro Carbon with a Shimano 105 groupset with 11-28 on the back. Hopefully I've attached an image correctly here.... Struggling to add an image - any help welcome

My mate is working in Islay just now and swears he spied a Wheeler during the week! No specifics regarding age / gender / bike but he is convinced it was our kit colours - any takers?

Some kind soul contributed this list of Olympic cycling events to the weekly cycling newsletter in my office, so I thought I'd share it with you. I'm sure most of these events will be covered by the BBC. Enjoy.......... • July 28, 10am: Men's road race • July 29, 12noon: Women's road race • August 1, 12.30pm: Women's road time trial • August 1, 2.15pm: Men's road time trial • August 2, 4pm: Men's team pursuit qualifying • August 2, 4pm: Men's team sprint qualifying and finals • August 2, 4pm: Women's team sprint qualifying and finals • August 3, 4pm: Men's team pursuit finals • August 3, 4pm: Women's keirin qualifying and finals • August 3, 4pm: Women's team pursuit qualifying • August 4, 10am: Men's omnium: flying lap • August 4, 10am: Men's sprint qualifying • August 4, 4pm: Men's omnium: 30km points race, elimination race • August 4, 4pm: Men's sprint, rounds • August 4, 4pm: Women's team pursuit finals • August 5, 10am: Men's omnium: 4km individual pursuit • August 5, 10am: Women's sprint qualifying • August 5, 4pm: Men's omnium: 15km scratch, 1km TT, final • August 5, 4pm: Men's sprint quarter finals • August 5, 4pm: Women's rounds and 1/8 finals • August 6, 4pm: Men's sprint finals • August 6, 4pm: Women's omnium: flying lap, 20km points, elimination • August 6, 4pm: Women's sprint quarter finals • August 7, 10am: Men's keirin round one • August 7, 10am: Women's omnium: 3km individual pursuit • August 7, 4pm: Men's keirin finals • August 7, 4pm: Women's omnium: 10km scratch, 500m TT, finals • August 7, 4pm: Women's sprint semi-finals and finals • August 8, 3pm: BMX seeding • August 9, 3pm: BMX quarter finals • August 10, 3pm: BMX semi-finals, finals • August 11, 12.30pm: Women's cross-country mountain bike • August 12, 1.30pm: Men's cross-country mountain bike

I'll take one but will need to try for size. Cheers Allan

I had no idea Jimmy Savile was a cycling enthusiast. This is the cycling part of his auction catalogue; http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/dreweatts/catalogue-id-2864602?categoryID=124972 I'm sure some of this kit could be considered 'retro' by now.

I'll be out for this. See you at 9am. Allan

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/about-sustrans/media/news-releases/safe-cycling-routes-to-appear-on-google-for-the-first-time Finding a safe route to ride your bike is set to be easier than ever as cycling routes are made available on UK Google Maps for the first time today at 5pm [Wednesday 11 July], following collaboration between charity Sustrans and Google. In a ground-breaking move for cyclists and would-be cyclists, National Cycle Network routes across the UK can now be navigated online using a new bicycle symbol on Google Maps, alongside the options of driving, public transport and walking. Cyclists can now plan their trips, make use of bike lanes, calculate cycle-friendly routes that avoid big hills and customise the map for cycling on smart phones and computers.

Cheers Greig for ordering and delivering. Great fit. Thanks again Allan

PM'd you Greig.

Greig, I got to the clubrooms at 7.10 but it was locked up. Sorry if I missed you. Are you available tomorrow so I can pay? Allan

I should be there. Allan

Billy, I'll take the short sleeve jersey XXL please. EDIT - Just realised you asked for a PM - it's on its way. Thanks Allan

Greig, Can I order.... 1 - XL 1 - L Thanks Allan

Billy, the Centaur in carbon takes me over the £1k I am allowed on CTW scheme, and as I need to provide a quote I doubt I'll get away with it. Cheers for the input Ramsay. I currently run 12-25 but struggle with hills. I was advised to move to 11-28 to help with that (and top speed). I see Campag offer 11-23, 11-25, 13-26 and 13-29. I assume the 13-29 would be my choice?

Thanks for the input Richard and Ramsay. However, the temptation to get a new toy is proving to be overwhelming But now to open a HUGE can of worms - I'm looking at Ribbles summer special - Evo Pro Carbon on the attache link http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/publish.asp?what=specialedition&page=1rc Now for the worms - Shimano 105 or Campag Centaur? Answers on a postcard as I'll be in hiding judging by the split in Shimano / Campag fans on here.........

I'd like to try a sample first as I can either be XL or XXL depending on the make of polo shirt. Cheers Allan

No need for apologies Kenny - I was looking for comment and alternatives - I just doubt my time scales will work but I have saved it as a favourite and will definitely check Planet X out when my voucher arrives! Cheers

Thanks Kenny - I won't get my CTW voucher until late in July so I will almost certainly miss out on the 45 Planet X bikes available. Bike Radar reviewed the best buys under £1k and the Giant Defy got a good review. http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/best-road-bikes-under-1000-29719/

Hi, This is the 2nd time I have used the Cycle To Work scheme through my work, so this time I have the full £1000 to spend on a new bike, as I already have all the accessories I need from the 1st time round. I'm looking to upgrade from my existing Specialized Allez (Sora gearing) to something a bit nicer. I've picked out these two for starters, but I'd really appreciate any input from Joansin' members. Cannondale CAAD8 - Shimano Tiagra 4600 -http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caad8-6-tia-2012-compact-road-bike-ec031475#BVRRWidgetID Giant Defy 2012 - Shimano 105 - http://www.dalescycles.com/alloy-framed-road-bikes-b9#&orderby=product_price&DescOrderBy=ASC&pricelower=569&pricehigher=1799 Thanks Allan

Now sold.

My colleague is selling his Specialized Allez road bike - 54 cm frame. I can vouch for the good condition of it - he's only ridden the Pedal for Scotland route twice on it. Would be a great buy for anyone wanting to get into road cycling. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SPECIALIZED-ALLEZ-road-bike-WITH-ACCESSORIES-/300724562340?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item460494a9a4#ht_500wt_1202 Allan

SOLD. Tom, I'll PM you with my contact details. Allan

Bought these last week from Wiggle for £27.99 (Normal price £39.99) http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-pro-triple-lens-sunglasses/ Yellow frame to match the Joansin' colours. Used once but not a great fit on account of my baw-face Looking for £20 Thanks, Allan